A historic milestone was recorded in Africa’s creative and tech landscape with the launch of Beyond the Slate (BTS), dedicated to empowering film and entertainment startups, nurturing talent, and shaping the next generation of media innovation across the continent.
The event held in Lagos, recently brought together students, film schools and emerging creatives in theatre, film and media.
Speaking at the event, the Convener, BTS, Ms. Nsidibe-Abasi Asuquo stated that the purpose of the event was to launch the empowerment initiative; what we are, who we are and why we are here.
She added that the target audience for the initiative is theatre, film and media graduates; to help empower them on how to transition seamlessly into the industry; what next from education and what next after getting their certificate.
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Asuquo further stated that BTS is more like an empowerment course where you bring in facilitators to take on individuals one-on-one in the different sectors of theatre arts department such as the administrative, the finance, box office, branding, strategy and legal, among others.
She added that there will be a certificate for students that take the course and it is very vital because BTS is proof that the students have gone through what it means to transition into the industry and it will indicate what department the student finished from whether it’s the performance, managerial or administrative.
Convener, BTS, Ms. Nsidibe-Abasi Asuquo
She called on partners on this initiative, such as Theatre bodies, brands that support youth empowerment, universities so they can inculcate this initiative in their curriculum to help students transition seamlessly.
“It is not just a one person thing, it is a beyond the slate thing, we need everybody to work together to make this possible; so brands that are passionate about youth empowerment, media bodies, theatre arts bodies and film bodies of course.
She added that the target for next year is to bring together different universities, have them understand the vision and incorporate it in their school’s theatre week, and have different sessions that will help them transition into the industry properly.
The Keynote Speaker, Chris Ihidero, a Nigerian Filmmaker in his remarks, stated that personal branding is truth, honesty and loyalty; and putting that combination together will help individual just starting his or her career.
“I am not saying don’t push yourself, I am not saying don’t sell yourself; I am saying do all of that when you have mastered your craft, when you actually know what you are doing.
He told participants to stop thinking about their brand or about building a legacy, according to him, people who build a legacy don’t wake up with the intention of building a legacy, they just do. “Building a legacy is not different from talent making; building a legacy is doing what you say you will do.”
Ihidero further charged them to follow the path with determination. “Craft, loyalty, honesty, consistency is what brand building is all about and that is how you build legacy; it’s not on how you look and the attention you create alone.”
“If you are here today because you know me, you don’t know me personally, you know me for my work and that is my legacy; my work. As you spend time on what you look like, spend some time on what you do. In what you do, be reliable, that one opportunity will come; it comes for everybody,” he stressed.
The Director General, Voice of Nigeria(VON), Mallam Jibril Baba Ndace who was represented by Ms. Banyinorim Agbo in his goodwill remarks congratulated the organizers and participants of BTS on the inspiring initiative.
He said: “The creative industry is not only a tool for cultural expression, but also a catalyst for economic advancement, youth empowerment and national rebranding. As Nigeria continues to diversify its economy, the creative sector stands as one of the most promising frontiers for investment, job creation and global visibility.
The DG stated further that at the Voice of Nigeria, they recognise the power of creativity in shaping perceptions and telling stories. “Our mandate aligns perfectly with initiatives like Beyond The Slate, which seek to amplify young talents and provide platforms for emerging creatives to thrive.”
“I commend the Beyond The Slate team for providing a bridge between academic learning and professional practice in the creative ecosystem. Your effort to nurture the next generation of storytellers, filmmakers, and media professionals is a worthy investment in Nigeria’s future.”
Speaking in one of the panel sessions on Branding and P.R essentials, Mr. Peter Adesanya, Strategy and Digital Media lead at The Redwolf company stated that when building personal brand, one of the key elements is the clarity of what the focus is. “What is your message? How do you want to put out your message? What platforms do you want to put out your message? What people do you want to collaborate with? When you have all these figured out, you’re good to go.
Speaking on the same discourse, Ms. Banyinorim Agbo; a Public Relations expert and Media Creative urged participants to know their goals; have knowledge about it, secondly, ask yourself, what am I doing? That’s key and thirdly, what do you have? Who do you know?
Ms. Favour Fashina, a Digital Communication Strategist, speaking on building personal brand charged participants, urging them to start no matter small because until they start they won’t know what they are capable of.
A legal practitioner, Mr. Clover Omokhomion, said that legal awareness is essential for creatives.
He said legal awareness gives direction and the understanding creative need to move.
Akunna Okechukwu, a corporate and entertainment lawyer added that the word passionate is very common among creatives; but there is a difference between being passionate and being desperate. “Being passionate drives you to achieve a lot of things; allows you to be at the right places, move with the right people at the right time but being desperate can lead to downfall.”
Speaking on contract situations as a creative, she said: “There is never a wrong question to ask; it is better to look stupid than to be stupid. Contracts are subjective, rather than objective; everyone is looking to protect their interest.”
Amanda Uzoagba, a legal practitioner speaking on issues of stolen creatives advised creative to always gather all the evidence, reach out to the person and discuss.
She added: “If you have a discussion with the breaching party, document the discussion and if there is still no resolution, call a lawyer and step aside.”
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